The Montréal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out the preseason on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad games in both cities. Each team will divide its roster, so fans will be watching two separate lineups at the same time.
That setup makes the night about more than the final score. Veterans are using the last tune-up before the regular season, while younger players and roster hopefuls are trying to earn a spot or improve their standing.
Why the last preseason date carries extra weight
Saturday is not just another exhibition game. Coaches are still sorting out roles, testing combinations, and deciding which players can handle regular-season minutes.
For Montréal, the timing is especially important because training camp runs through September 26 and the club opens the season in Toronto on September 29. That leaves one final chance for players on the bubble to make a strong case.
Ottawa has the same kind of decision-making to finish. With two games on the same day, the Senators can spread ice time across more players and evaluate who deserves power-play looks, late-game shifts, and more responsibility in goal.
- Watch which skaters get time with top-six forwards.
- Pay attention to players used on special teams.
- Notice which goaltenders receive the heavier workload.
- Track who is trusted in tight situations late in the game.
The earlier meeting showed how quickly momentum can swing
The two clubs have already met once in preseason action. Montréal erased an early deficit and beat Ottawa 3-2 in overtime on September 21 in Trois-Rivières, with Cole Caufield scoring twice.
That result is useful as a reminder of the rivalry, but it should not be treated as a direct forecast for Saturday. Split-squad games often look very different depending on which players dress in each city and which goalie starts.
A lineup with more established NHL forwards can tilt the game in one direction, while the other venue may feature younger players and a far less predictable pace. The same is true in net, where the starter can have a major impact on both the outcome and any totals market.
How bettors can read the matchup more carefully
The safest approach is to check the confirmed lineups before looking at either moneyline. A sportsbook may price one side as the favorite, but that number only matters once the actual roster for that specific game is known.
Goals totals also depend heavily on the goaltenders. If the game features inexperienced netminders or defensive pairings that are still being tested, an over becomes more tempting. If stronger veterans are in place, the scoring outlook can change fast.
Player props may offer the clearest angle, especially for a forward expected to see heavy minutes. Even then, preseason usage is uncertain, so a known name does not automatically mean full ice time or its usual power-play role.
In the end, Saturday is better viewed as a final evaluation night than a single prediction contest. The most useful clues will come from who plays the toughest minutes, which combinations create chances, and which skaters look ready for the pace of the regular season.
